|
|
CODE ENFORCEMENT: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
Our neighborhoods are the environment in which we live and raise our families. Blight and nuisances can devalue, detract, and degrade the quality of any neighborhood. Recognizing the importance of protecting the home environment, Chula Vista City Council, as well as the state of California, have adopted codes that promote health and safety, protect the community from blight and deterioration, and enhance the livability of the City of Chula Vista.
Code enforcement officers educate the public about code issues and work with citizens to achieve code compliance. They also work in partnership with other city departments and state and county agencies to ensure both residents and businesses are in compliance with these and other regulations.
The Code Enforcement Division responds to complaints from the community. In addition, staff proactively enforces the City's sign ordinance and also inspect hotels, motels, mobile home parks and multi-family housing rental units within the City. The following are routinely investigated by code enforcement staff:
- Unsecured swimming pools
- Sewage spills/leaks
- Abandoned refrigerators and other appliances that can entrap children
- Abandoned residential properties
- Home occupations
- Auto repair
- Garage conversions
- Trash, junk and debris
- Construction without a permit
- Abandoned Vehicles on private property
- Zoning violations
- Occupied motor homes on private property
- Parking in the front yard
Code enforcement staff do not investigate the following:
- Property line disputes
- Number of people living in a residence
- Abandoned vehicles on public streets (please contact the Chula Vista Police Department Vehicle Abatement, (619) 476-5365)
- Occupied motor homes on public streets (please contact the Chula Vista Police Department, (619) 691-5151)
- Barking dogs, animal waste and other animal complaints (please contact the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, (619) 691-5123)
- Drainage between properties
- Blocking of private views
- Tree roots and/or overhanging trees on private property
- Leaves from neighbors' trees
- View obstructions
- Mold or mildew
- Odors and dust (please contact the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, CLICK HERE)
- Termites (unless evidence of major structural damage exists)
- Lack of a security lock
The code enforcement process is generally started when a concerned resident reports a possible violation. Property owners/responsible parties voluntarily correct about 85 percent of code violations when educated about the violation and given time to comply. When needed, however, the City may pursue administrative enforcement actions and penalties as authorized by the City's municipal code until the violations have been resolved.
Please see our web page for more information and to contact the Code Enforcement Division, CLICK HERE. |
THE GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD CHALLENGE
 Speaking of neighborhoods, how would you like the chance to work with your neighbors to improve your community? The San Diego Foundation is sponsoring The Great Neighborhood Challenge which is a region-wide initiative that will grant 10 to 20 community awards between $1,000 and $5,000 each. The goals are to encourage the creation and implementation of projects that improve neighborhoods, bring people together to work for a common cause, offer new opportunities for leadership, and showcase neighborhood-level solutions to improve quality of life. Workshops will be offered to answer questions about the application process, help brainstorm projects and assist with applications. Application deadline is March 10, and awardees will be announced in July. For more details, CLICK HERE. |
|
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Do you, like most people at the beginning of the year, have great aspirations of exercising, eating right and just being healthier? The Norman Park Center may have the extra push you need to get you on the right track! Check out these great programs at the Center, located at 270 F Street:
** Free six week class, "Healthier Living with Chronic Conditions," is scheduled on Wednesdays, February 19-March 26, from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Through this class you will discover new ways to better manage your health challenges, learn about nutritious eating, explore ways to reduce fatigue, anxiety, sleep loss and pain, and how to communicate with doctors, friends and loved ones. Attendees should plan to attend all six sessions. Call (858) 495-5710 to register or for more information.
**Looking to get outside in our beautiful weather and get more exercise while making friends? Join the staff at Norman Park on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 9:15 a.m. to explore local neighborhoods by foot. All walking levels are welcome and the class is free.
**Beginning Zumba classes are now offered at the Center on Mondays from 5-5:50 p.m. and 6-6:50 p.m., and Tuesdays from 6-6:50 p.m. The drop-in fee is $1 per class for seniors and $2 per class for all other adults.
Call (619) 409-1930 for information about these or any other programs at Norman Park Center. No more excuses ... let's go! |
WATER WORRIES
As you probably have heard, California's Governor Brown has declared our state to be in a drought. Since our East Coast friends seem to be getting all the rain and snow this winter, what can we do here in sunny California? The City's Conservation Section offers tips to help conserve water indoors and outdoors, rebate information for more efficient appliances and irrigation systems, and a free Home Energy and Water Check-Up, through which you can receive water-saving faucet aerators and a 5-minute shower timer! Call the Conservation Section at (619) 409-3893 or CLICK HERE.
In addition, to help you be prepared in case of a fire emergency evacuation, the Chula Vista Fire Department's "Ready, Set, Go!" website is chock full of information on how you can organize your property, prepare your family, and be safe, CLICK HERE. |
DID YOU KNOW...
...our Chula Vista Public Library holds free weekly U.S. Citizenship classes in two of its branches: Wednesday, 3-4:15 p.m. at the South Chula Vista Branch, 389 Orange Avenue, (619) 585-5755, and Saturday, 1-2:15 p.m. at the Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street, (619) 691-5069. The classes are ongoing, open-enrollment, and no reservation is required. Funded through a "Paths to Civic Engagement" grant from the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation, the classes prepare applicants for the Citizenship exam, and cover questions that will be asked on the exam, including topics on U.S. History and Civics.
 ...maybe your "purrfect" match is at our Animal Care Facility? During the month of February, the ACF is conducting a special cat adoption event -- the adoption fee is only $25 (normally $65). And if you adopt a black cat, you will get a $20 Petco gift card in addition to the bag of goodies all cat adopters receive! Visit the ACF at 130 Beyer Way, Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with adoptions processed until 4 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with adoptions processed until 3 p.m. For more information, call (619) 691-5123.
...CVPD is currently seeking new recruits: Police Lateral for those who have  already completed a CA POST approved academy, and Police Recruit for someone who needs to attend an academy and has no previous sworn law enforcement experience.
To apply for a Police Lateral (Peace Officer) position, CLICK HERE. This is an on-going recruitment effort with no application deadline.
If you would like to be notified about the Police Recruit process, CLICK HERE.
...one of the City's CLEAN businesses, El Primero Hotel, located at 416 Third Avenue, was awarded a statewide Cool California Small Business of the Year Award! This is great news as there are comprehensive requirements to meet the honor. Fore more details, CLICK HERE. Congratulations!
...in more CLEAN news, the City is requesting your nominations for our next local eco-hero for a "Chula Vista CLEAN Champion Award." Many individuals and organizations work to improve Chula Vista's quality of life everyday by saving energy and water, protecting open space, reducing waste, and preventing pollution. Help recognize their environmental dedication and leadership by nominating them. The award winners will be selected by the City's Resource Conservation Commission and recognized by the City Council in April. Nomination forms, CLICK HERE, must be received by March 3.
...we are very excited to see new restaurants/eateries establishing roots in our town! Some of the latest include New York Buffalo Wings & Ribs, 333 H Street,  #1025 (across the street from the court house), Venga Venga, 2015 Birch Road (at the Otay Ranch Town Center), Applebee's, 610 Palomar (Palomar and Broadway), Project Pie, 555 Broadway (Chula Vista Center), Matua's Sushi Bar and Islander Grill, 626 E Street, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, 872 Eastlake Parkway, Suite 414. Stop by and support your local businesses!
... Scripps Chula Vista Volunteer Pet Therapy Program is looking for volunteers. Are you and your pooch interested in bringing joy to Scripps Chula Vista patients? A canine pre-screening and behavioral evaluation will be held in March. Dogs must have a Canine Good Citizen Certificate and be at least one year of age. Volunteer commitment is one, three-hour shift a week, with daytime, evening and weekend shifts available. To register, interested parties must contact Letitia Olais at (858) 626-6076 as soon as possible for more information.
...Parkway Community Center, 373 Park Way, was recently voted 2013's Best of South County Gold Star Winner for Best Recreation Center by the Star-News. The center includes a community center, gym, Memorial Bowl, and an aquatic facility. Parkway programs include recreation classes, aquatic programs, basketball, volleyball, after school programs, camps, drop-in and organized athletic activities and facility rental opportunities. CLICK HERE for more details.
... SDG&EŽ wants to remind all businesses that the California Energy Commission recently updated its Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards, which will take effect July 1, 2014. These new standards will impact all statewide energy-efficiency programs resulting in rebates and incentives being discontinued for measures required by the new Title 24 standards. If you have current energy-efficiency projects, we encourage you to consider fulfilling the program requirements in the coming months, so your project can benefit from the existing incentives and rebates. Call SDG&E's Energy Savings Center at 1-(800) 644-6133 or CLICK HERE to find the best energy solution for your business.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
Goal!
 Registration for Youth Indoor Soccer, for boys and girls ages 6-13, begins February 3, and ends February 28. Player evaluations will be held on March 1 and 8, with practices starting the week of March 10. Games will be played at Parkway Gym (385 Park Way) and the Salt Creek Recreation Center arena soccer facility (2710 Otay Lakes Road). Registration is $75 for residents and $94 for non-residents. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Senior Driver Safety Class
Norman Park Center and AARP are offering a Driver Safety Class for seniors in February and March. Classes are held from 12-4 p.m. and participants must attend both classes. February 5 and 19, or March 5 and 19. Cost is $20. Call (619) 409-1930 for more information.
Winter Olympic Viewing Party
Join the fun and excitement on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Midway on Friday, February 7, for the Sochi Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony Viewing Party. The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. with events and activities as well as your opportunity to meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes, plus watch the opening ceremony. CLICK HERE for more info.
Literary Speed Dating
Meet your "novel" friends or maybe a new love at the Otay Ranch branch of the Chula Vista Public Library on Wednesday, February 12. A unique speed dating event for adults over the age of 21 will begin at 6 p.m. at the library in the Otay Ranch Town Center. Participants will have five minutes with each partner to talk over their favorite books - love stories or otherwise. This is a free event but registration is required. Please call (619) 397-5740 to register.
Young Love
You're never too old for love! Seniors are invited to Norman Park Center for an early Valentine's dinner and movie on Thursday, February 13, at 3 p.m. Center staff will celebrate the day of love by serving a full dinner with special Valentine themed punch and dessert. Following the dinner, a romantic movie will be shown. Cost is $12 for two people or $6 for a party of one. Sign up early at (619) 409-1930 and maybe find your Valentine!
Parents Night Out
Valentine's Day falls on a Friday this year and lucky for parents, our Montevalle Community Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road, has a special Valentine's Party planned for kids ages 5-12 years old. Go out and enjoy dinner, or catch a movie between 6-9 p.m. on Friday, February 14, while your kids are entertained with activities, crafts, and a movie. Parents Night Out events are planned, organized and supervised by trained and responsible recreation staff. Fee is $10 for Chula Vista residents and $13 for non-residents. Call (619) 691-5269 for more information.
Port Community Workshop
 The Port of San Diego will host a community workshop in Chula Vista as part of its effort to gather input for its Integrated Port Master Plan Update process. The Port of San Diego, the fourth largest port in California, is in the midst of developing a 50-Year Vision Plan as part of the Port Master Plan Update to help guide land and water uses in the San Diego Bay. Everyone is welcome to attend on Wednesday, February 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Norman Park Center, 270 F Street.
Spring Swimming
Spring swim lessons run continuously spring through fall with the first three week session beginning February 24 at Parkway Aquatic Center, 385 Park Way. The 30 minute classes, for ages six months to adult, costs $32. Loma Verde Aquatic Center, 1420 Loma Lane, is hosting two-week swim lessons with the 30 minute classes beginning March 17. Cost is $35 with registration beginning February 17. For more information and online registration, CLICK HERE.
A unique program, Read to Swim, rewards children for taking an interest in reading  by offering free swimming lessons. To be eligible, children ages 4-16 must read an age appropriate book and then write a brief book report. During the free lessons, participants are asked to take a "Soda Free Challenge" by committing to not drink soda for two weeks. Swim lessons are offered at both Parkway and Loma Verde Aquatic Centers with three sessions scheduled beginning February 24. For more info, contact Elizabeth Kovar at (619) 409-1984, or CLICK HERE.
State of the City
The public is invited to attend Mayor Cheryl Cox's annual State of the City address scheduled for Tuesday, February 25. The event, which will be held in Council Chambers at 276 Fourth Avenue, begins at 6 p.m. It can also be viewed on-line via streaming video at www.chulavistaca.gov, click on Council Meetings and Agendas, then View Event, or watch live on Cox Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. |
|
|
|
|
Contacts
______________________
SERVICES
Environment
CLEAN Business Program:
409-1975
Energy & Water Conservation:
409-3893
Storm Water Hotline: 397-6000
Environmental Services,
Household Hazardous Waste, Recycling and Solid Waste:
691-5122
Community
Graffiti Hotline: 691-5198
Graffiti IN PROGRESS: 911
Park Reservations Online
Library
Civic Branch: 691-5069
South Branch: 585-5755
Otay Ranch Branch: 397-5740
Library Online
Recreation
Administration: 409-5979
Recreation Online
CV Woman's Club: 409-1980
Heritage Center: 421-7032
Loma Verde Center: 409-1939
Loma Verde Pool: 409-1987
Montevalle Center: 691-5269
Norman Park Center: 409-1930
Otay Center: 409-1999
Parkway Center: 409-1980
Parkway Pool: 409-1985
Parkway Gym: 409-1990
Salt Creek Center: 585-5739
Veterans Center: 691-5260
__________
DEVELOPMENT
Land Development: 691-5024
Building: 691-5272
Planning: 691-5101
Code Enforcement: 691-5280
Redevelopment & Housing:
691-5047
Development Services Online
Economic Development:
409-5870
Small Businesses: 691-5248
__________
PUBLIC SAFETY
Emergency: 911
Fire
Main Line: 691-5055
Prevention Division: 691-5029
Prevention Online
Police
Report Crime/Dispatch:
691-5151
__________
GOVERNMENT
Mayor & Council: 691-5044
__________
ADMINISTRATION
City Attorney: 691-5037
City Clerk: 691-5041
City Manager: 691-5031
Communications
Media Relations &
Special Events: 691-5296
Finance
Main Line: 691-5250
Purchasing: 691-5141
Business Licenses Online
Human Resources
Main Line: 691-5096
Job Hotline: 691-5095
Volunteering: 691-5000
|
|
